btbg

It was in reply to the initial poster from Oregon, which I also live in. She just ordered us to stay at home. She claims that recreation is still legal, but ordered no travel for recreation. So I can walk from my house, but I can't drive to the river to fish.

She shut everything down because people were "flocking to the beach" over the weekend. There were pictures of big crowds at the coast, but the thing is the vast majority of them were in little family units of two to four and were more than six feet from other groups. In other words they were largely complying with the social distancing rules.

However, even if it was a problem she is using a one size fits all set of regulations so those of us in rural areas are locked down unnecessarily. I get the stay at home regulations, but to say we encourage recreation and then take away the means of recreation that stinks.

So now, if I were to go by myself to go fishing and found a stretch of river with no one else within a mile of me I could be fined up to $1,250 and get up to 30 days in jail for isolating myself. It is truly insane.

btbg

Agreed.

btbg

Sure it restricts hiking and walking. You can walk all you want, but it restricts recreational travel, so I can't drive to the trailhead to go hiking and I can't drive to the river to go fishing. If I live close enough to walk, then it's legal. If that isn't insane, then I don't know what is.

btbg

All state parks are completely closed, so you are mistaken. It isn't just the campgrounds.

btbg

What the heck are you talking about with stupid scenarios. It is insane that if I can walk to the river I can go fishing, but if I have to drive I could get arrested. So half of the town I live in can go fishing because they are in walking distance. For the other half of town it is technically illegal. That is insane. Not the scenario.

The safest place to be right now is outside by yourself and I could be fined $1,250 and given 30 days in jail if I drive to the river. And you try to say that it is ridiculous for me to come up with "stupid scenarios"

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

A voice of reason. I do not like our governor’s decision to make violations class c misdemeanors, but then I’m not in her shoes. I would have preferred how Washington’s governor chose to word his orders but so be it.

But I will say sheltering is one of only a few options available at this juncture. I say that coming from a career of many decades in public safety. In the course of those years I went to college for that career and spent a great deal of time being instructed by federal officials on disaster preparedness, employee training and drills. I have on many occasions trained with the likes of the FBI, Secret Service, FEMA, etc.

Most folks who’ve never been employed in such an arena would be shocked by what is known and predicted in mass disasters and pandemics in terms of human behavior. I just hope all our various political leaders listen to and follow the advice of real professionals, not other politicians. Bluster serves nothing. Thoughtful professional planning and action is what’s needed.

Bill_de Loc: US

Delaware stay home order permits outdoor activities provided you adhere to social distancing guidelines. One of my favorite picture taking spots, Bombay Hook NWR posted:

During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries will remain open to the public. Visitor Centers and other facilities, however, may be closed. Scheduled events may be cancelled. Please follow public health guidelines and avoid congregating.

I think I'll make a visit Thursday.

---

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

I was referring more to the comment about releasing inmates...not hiking or fishing. I should have been more specific.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm beginning to wonder if this situation isn't being taken advantage of and the government is curious as to just how much they can take away, restrict, or control without the public becoming rebellious.

I'm also curious as to how much the media is contributing to this 'national emergency'.
--Bob

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

And governments all over the world are doing this?

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Bob I can't agree more. The media is spreading the hype in its desire to constantly attack President Trump. Other Presidents have done similar things during epidemics yet they were never attacked as is Trump.

I also fully agree with you in that the government at numerous levels is doing what it can to take away freedoms by such things as closing gun stores in Illinois, limiting where people can go etc. I agree we are best to stay home and not catch or pass on the virus. But when governors are threatening jail time for those who are out and about without a somewhat valid reason (who makes that decision I wonder) then it is over the top regarding being ridiculous.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Maybe/Maybe not but some American governments are doing this.

Dennis

shelty Loc: Medford, OR

How about the Costco store where they had a long line completely around the store. They were letting in only two shoppers at a time.

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Provided medical care in them. They are not that sanitary.